Postmodernism

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MODERNIST & POST-MODERNIST THEORIES Structuralist & social action theories are modernist theories. They mainly aim to explain the major changes that occurred in UK society in the 18th-19th centuries;1. Industrialisation- the capitalist system emerged with the introduction of the factory system of production in the 18th century. The theories of functionalism & Marxism are concerned with the effects of this industrialisation especially the social class inequalities in wealth & power which resulted from it.2. Urbanisation- the huge population movement from rural to urban areas & the decline in community accompanying it.3. Centralised government- the bureaucratic state that takes a great deal of responsibility for both the economy & the welfare of its citizens gradually developed between the 18th-20th centuries.4. Rational thinking- science & reason began to replace tradition, religion & superstition as a result of industrialisation. Modernist theories such as interactionism, functionalism, Marxism, feminism compete with each other to explain why…read more

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POST-MODERNISM· In the past 20 years or so, some sociologists have identified trends & developments which they claim show that industrial modernity is fragmenting or dissolving. They argue that industrial modernity is being replaced by a postmodern world in which many sociological ideas & concepts are becoming irrelevant.…read more

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CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERNITY Work- the nature of work & the economy has dramatically changed in the last 30 years. Work is no longer dominated by mass production, with 1000s working in factories or down mines. Work in the UK in the 21st century is mainly located within the service and quaternary sectors.· Culture- as UK society has grown wealthier, the media & other cultural industries such as film, advertising & music have become increasingly central to how people organise their lives & construct their identities. In particular the mass media is seen as responsible for encouraging conspicuous consumption- showing off status, identity & lifestyle through the consumption of high status goods such as brands. The mass media is also responsible for making people aware of & more accepting of the diverse set of choices available to people today to construct their identity. For example the choices of sexuality and choice of clothing…read more

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CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERNITY· Globalisation- global culture has become more accessible because of digital TV & the web & is seen by some as undermining the importance of national & local cultures. Peoples identities in a global postmodern world are now increasingly shaped by a greater range of global tastes and symbols. Brands dominate the global landscape.· Knowledge- in the postmodern world people no longer have any faith in absolute truths. Postmodernists argue that people have become sceptical & even cynical about the power of science & politics to change the world. Consequently postmodernists insist that truth is both unattainable & irrelevant in the postmodern world. Instead, postmodernism stresses the relativity of knowledge, ideas & lifestyle today. This means that all ideas contain an element of truth.…read more

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P OSTMODERNISM- TAYLORTaylor- the characteristics of postmodern societymean that;· The key social relationships that used to underpin modern societies- class, family & gender are no longer relevant.· Sociologists can no longer claim to produce expert knowledge about society as there are no `right' answers anymore- all points of view have relevance.· Sociologists can no longer make judgements or claim that the know what is best for society. Sociology is just one set of ideas competing with others.…read more